HCA Healthcare South Atlantic Division announces $650,000 donation from HCA Healthcare to Savannah State University

Photo of the Savannah State University campus — HCA Healthcare will award $650,000 to Savannah State University to support a paid internship program for students pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Pictured: The Social Sciences Building at Savannah State University.

Today, HCA Healthcare’s South Atlantic Division announced that we will award $650,000 to Savannah State University (SSU) to support a paid internship program for students pursuing a master’s degree in social work. This donation is part of HCA Healthcare’s broader commitment to give $10 million over three years to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).

“We are excited to partner with this nationally recognized social work program,” said Hugh C. Tappan, president of HCA Healthcare’s South Atlantic Division. “The opportunity to allow more students to explore social work, associate with a nationally recognized program at a nationally recognized college, and gain access to future colleagues is simply exciting! We hope this is the start of a broader relationship with SSU.

“We are proud to partner with SSU to provide students with the opportunity to find fulfilling careers in health care and social work,” said Sherri Neal, chief diversity officer at HCA Healthcare. “Memorial Health University Medical Center has developed a strong relationship with the university and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on the community.”

Funds from this gift will support paid internships for two master’s of social work cohorts over four years, which will help students complete the 900 clinical hours required to graduate at HCA Healthcare’s affiliated hospital, Memorial Health University Medical Center. Through the cohort, students will have access to job shadowing opportunities and mentors through HCA Healthcare. This gift will also provide a stipend for a preceptor for the program, who will serve as a liaison between Memorial Health University Medical Center and SSU.

Portrait of Sheronda Phillips — Sheronda Phillips, student in the social work program, Savannah State University

“I have gained experience working with all age groups through my clinical placements within the hospital. You are relied upon heavily and must be able to adapt and be flexible to patient medical changes that may arise at any time. You also need to be able to communicate with everyone, whether it’s the patient, family members, nurses or doctors.

Sheronda Phillips, social work student, Savannah State University

“Social workers play a crucial role in our hospital as advocates who support the patient throughout their journey home,” says Bradley S. Talbert, chief executive officer of Memorial Health University Medical Center. “Savannah State University offers a highly regarded social work program at the bachelor’s and master’s level. We had the opportunity to partner with SSU’s social work program by providing internships to their students and we are excited to strengthen our positive relationship through this grant.

Founded in 1890, SSU is Georgia’s first public HBCU and the premier institution of higher education in Savannah, Georgia. The university serves an increasingly diverse student population, with more than 3,000 students from across the state and beyond. The university’s Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is designed to prepare students for entry into advanced social work practice.

“At Savannah State University, we are deeply committed to fostering strong, impactful partnerships that enhance the educational experiences of our students and serve our community,” said Cynthia Robinson Alexander, JD, interim president of SSU. “Our collaboration with HCA Healthcare is a shining example of that commitment. This partnership between our prestigious social work program and the hospital allows our students to gain invaluable hands-on experience while contributing to the well-being of patients and their families. Together, we are building a brighter, healthier future for our community.”

Portrait of Gloria Rodriguez — Gloria Rodriguez, student in the social work program, Savannah State University

“Overall, my internship at HCA Healthcare was a transformative experience that solidified my passion for social work. The diverse experiences and challenges I have faced have prepared me well for a career in this field. I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn from top preceptors and contribute to the well-being of patients. Thank you, HCA Healthcare, for providing such a comprehensive and rewarding internship experience.

Gloria Rodriguez, social work student, Savannah State University

HCA Healthcare has a history of partnering with higher education institutions across the country to help create a more diverse workforce. Among these partnerships:

In 2021, HCA Healthcare announced a $1.5 million investment in the School of Allied Health Sciences at Florida A&M University (FAMU) to strengthen student pathways from undergraduate to graduate to careers in management in the health sector. These partnerships, as well as others with industry and educational associations, are part of HCA Healthcare’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the diversity of the organization’s talent pipeline.